Compiz Fusion 0.5.2 Reunion Release

The Compiz project has just released the first developer version of its 3D window manager after the reunion with Beryl.

The developers of Compiz Extra and the Beryl fork decided to reunite four months ago to form Compiz Fusion. Compiz Fusion is the experimental branch in which new functions will are tested before making their way into the Compiz window manager. The first stable Compiz Fusion version 0.6.0 will be ready shortly after the release of Compiz 0.6.0.

After six months of work, and shortly after the release of Compiz 0.5.2, the first developer version of the reunited project has now been completed. Compiz Fusion version 0.5.2 contains a new plugin collection, the alternative window manager Emerald, the Libcompizconfig Compiz configuration system and the BCOP code generator.

The new plugins include new functions such as animations on opening, closing and focusing windows, along with extended zoom functions. Version 0.5.2 of Compiz uses the JPG image format. Up to now only PNG files were supported as cube caps. A crash handler has also been introduced to allow for error tracing in case of crashes, and which also supports the use of an alternative window manager. The release notes have a full list of new features.

The source code and binary packages for OpenSuse are available as downloads on the project website. The Compiz Fusion blog has screenshots and a video which give users a sneak preview of the new release.

Related content

Split-ups, disputes, and flame wars repeatedly ripple through the open source community. So far, forks have benefitted the community, as illustrated by the reunion of Compiz and Beryl in the Compiz Fusion project.

It was good news across the board for ATI graphics card owners with AMD deciding to go for a free driver and immediately delivering the goods. Now the proprietary Linux driver, Fglrx 8.42.3, has been released, and it promises various improvements.